Ura C. Hardin

Ura Charles Hardin, a devoted man of faith, family, and service, passed away at the age of 99 on March 5th, 2025, in Mountain Grove, Missouri. Born on October 21, 1925, in Texas County, Missouri, Ura lived a life marked by hard work, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to his faith and community. Ura was a descendant of Sam Hardin, one of the founders of Mountain Grove.

A lifelong farmer, teacher, and preacher, Ura dedicated his days to cultivating both the land and the hearts of those around him. He proudly served his country as a Navy Seabee during WWII, including duty on Iwo Jima, carrying the values of duty and perseverance throughout his life. He taught countless students skills that they use today as skilled tradesmen in the area and beyond. Ura has the distinction of being the only Methodist minister in Missouri to minister in the same church of 50 years.

Ura was preceded in death by his parents, Grover Cleveland and Iva Ann (Weber) Hardin, and his five brothers and four sisters.

Ura was united in marriage to his beloved wife, the late Dorothy Jean (Yocum), on December 4, 1946. Together, they built a loving family and a strong foundation of faith.

He was a devoted father to Sandra (the late Derald) Belk, David (Laura) Hardin, and Teresa (Phil) Milligan. His love extended through generations as a cherished grandfather to Lisa (Jim) Yarber, Greg (Taryn) Donley, Rachel Hardin, Emily (Clayton) Byrd, Rebecca Hardin, and Sarah (Josh) Pate. His legacy continued with his great-grandchildren: Ashley (Dalton) Shipley, Wesley Yarber, Savannah (Jacob) Patino, Dalton Donley, Sophie Donley, Weston Pate, Charlotte Pate, Molly Byrd and Everley Byrd, and his great-great-granddaughter, IvaAnne Shipley.

On July 26, 1996, he was blessed with a second marriage to Patsy (Braddy), with whom he shared his later years. He embraced his role as a stepfather to Pam, Kurt (Cheryl), and the late Christopher. He was a loving step-grandfather to Alex (Kiley) Hedgpeth, Jarod Braddy, Chessy Braddy, Karlie Braddy, Rachel Braddy and Lauren Braddy as well as step-great-grandfather to Christopher and Hudson McMahon.

He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews as well as countless friends.

Ura was devoted to improving his community through countless hours of dedicated service. He was an active member of several civic organizations including: Shriners, Masons, Kiwanis Club and Eastern Star.

A Godly man and a true pillar of his community, Ura’s presence was a source of wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering kindness. Whether in the pulpit, the classroom, or the fields, he lived his life as a testimony to his faith, leaving behind a lasting impact on all who knew him.

His life was one well-lived, and memories of him will be cherished forever. While his earthly journey has come to an end, his spirit and the lessons he imparted will live on in the hearts of those he loved. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to: The Trinity United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 28, Mountain Grove, MO 65711.